Public Service Aid (PSA) at City of Belen in Belen, NM

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Public Service Aid (PSA)

FULL-TIME REGULAR

Starting annual salary $40,705.60 ($19.57 an hour depending on certifications)

Deadline for applications: Open until filled

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GENERAL PURPOSE:
A Public Service Aid is responsible in playing a supporting role in the effectiveness of law enforcement and public safety to the citizens of our community. This position provides assistance in various areas, including traffic control, crime scene preservation, photography, crash investigations, non-arrest non-criminal reports and non-violent and compliant prisoner transports:

• Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures.
• Aid people who are in danger of physical harm.
• Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
• Identify potentially serious areas where problems exist.
• Provide emergency services.
• Will work weekends, holidays, unscheduled overtime and night shift.

• Coordinates efforts with those of other members of the department so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and achievement of department’s objectives.
• Communicates to superiors and to fellow officers all information obtained in the field which is pertinent to the achievement of the department’s objectives.
• Responds punctually to all assignments.
• Records information concerning events that have taken place since the last tour of duty.
• Records activity during tour of duty in the manner prescribed by proper authority. Maintains uniforms, weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition.
• Assists citizens requesting assistance or information.  Courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the police department and suggests other procedures to be followed.
• Accountable for the securing, receipt, photographing and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody.
• Answers questions asked by the general public, counsels, juveniles and adults when necessary and refers them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Preserves the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood functions.
• Serves or delivers summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer.  Confers with prosecutors and testifies in court.
• Accomplishes other general duties as they are assigned or become necessary.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
• Cooperates with the efforts of other law enforcement agencies.

• Patrols an assigned area for general purposes of crime prevention & security.             PATROL INCLUDES:
• Being thoroughly familiar with the assigned route of patrol.  Such familiarity includes knowledge of merchants, businesses, roads, alleyways, paths, etc.  Conditions that contribute to crime should be reported.  The location of telephones and other emergency services should be noted.
• Identifying wanted subjects visually and reporting it to police officers
• Completing detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle crashes, and other incidents requiring police attention.
• In cases where a transport to a detention center or Municipal Court, a report will be written.
• When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously reported offense, the public service aid reports it to officers to complete an Investigation report;
• Preserving any serious crime scene until: the Sergeant or Investigator arrives.
• Public assembly checks.
• Building security checks.
• Observing and interviewing suspicious persons.
• Being alert for and reporting fires.
• Reporting street light and traffic signals not in operation, street hazards and any conditions that endanger public safety.
• Checking parks, playgrounds and other city and government buildings.
• Responding to any public emergency once scene is cleared by officers.
• Conducts a thorough investigation of minor non-arrestable offenses and minor traffic crashes within the area of assignment and scope of activity.  Collects evidence and records data which will aid in identification, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, as well as the recovery of property.
• Is alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime of indicative of criminal activity.  Takes preventive action to correct such conditions, and informs superiors as soon as the situation permits.
• Responds to situations brought to the public Service Aids attention while in the course of routine patrol or when assigned by radio.  Render First Aid, when qualified, to persons who are ill or injured.  Assist persons needing police services.
• Remains on assigned patrol throughout the tour of duty except when a Sergeant or senior police officer on duty gives authorization for a temporary absence.
• Patrols area giving particular attention to parks, city buildings and properties, other government buildings and properties. Patrols areas where mischievous behaviors are frequented, reporting the activity to a law enforcement officer.
• Be alert for all nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects or other conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health or convenience of the public within the patrol area.
• Concerning a patrol vehicle:
  • See that it is well maintained mechanically and that it is kept clean both inside and out.
  • Inspects the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment.  Immediately reports all defects and damage sustained to the proper authority and completes all reports and forms required by current procedures.
  • Removes the keys whenever the patrol car is left unattended for any reason.
  • Uses only vehicles assigned by the supervisor.
  • Operates the radio according to FCC regulations and current departmental procedures.
  • Ensures that the assigned vehicle’s gas tank is full at the beginning of shift.
•  Keeps radio equipment in operation at all times and remains thoroughly familiar with, departmental policy concerning its use.
• Directs and expedites the flow of traffic at assigned intersections, preventing crashes, protecting pedestrians, and ensuring the free flow of traffic.
• Enforces the parking ordinances.
• Remain alert to traffic safety conditions which may endanger or inconvenience the public and report such conditions to the sergeant.
• Responds immediately when called from a traffic post to render emergency police service.  Notifies the sergeant at the earliest possible opportunity.
• Wears the prescribed by traffic safety clothing (Traffic Vest) and equipment
• Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of police investigative techniques and techniques of identification;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to organize and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports;
• Exercise skill in the use of police equipment;
• Possess of physical ability and endurance;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with juveniles, parents, fellow workers and the public.

• A high school degree or equivalent;
• Must be able to complete a certified Public Service Aid Academy from Albuquerque Police or Central New Mexico Community College.
• Must be able to pass City drug testing; 
• No felony convictions or convictions for a crime of moral turpitude.

EQUIPMENT USED:
Equipment to be used by Service Aids includes, but is not limited to: Computers, Copiers, Microsoft Office Programs, Cameras (Video & Still), Body Worn Camera, Handcuffs, Expandable Baton, OC Spray, Radio, Service Aid Vehicle with various emergency equipment, Various Measuring devices, Flares, and various other equipment as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to frequently lift and/or move heavy objects or persons.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to sit, stand, talk and hear.  Must be able to use hands and fingers to feel objects and/or control them.  Must be able to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and run.

The employee is required to perform shift work which may include days, evening, and nights including weekends and holidays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed inside/outside in all types of weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is intended to describe the general nature of this position and it is not to be considered a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, requirements or knowledge, skills and abilities.